Albert Cummings Talks October 2024 UK Tour And More

Acclaimed Blues/Rock artist Albert Cummings is set to embark on an electrifying UK tour this October in support of his chart-topping album, ‘Strong’. He very kindly chatted to JLTT about the tour and more:

When did you begin songwriting?

I began writing songs when I was around 18 years old. I had no idea what I was doing then but it was fun to start thinking about the craft and putting ideas on paper. Since then I’ve learned so much about writing and I continue to learn every time I do it.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My first musical memory was when I was about 8 years old. My parents hosted a party and all of my father’s musician friends brought their instruments and would sit around the living room playing together. It was fascinating as a young kid to watch adults communicating with each other through their instruments. I could tell by the smiles how much they all enjoyed it and it intrigued me to want to learn about music.

Your new album ‘Strong’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I approached Strong very similarly to how I do all my albums. I love to create music in the studio vs practice and then record. I brought in a list of @ 20 songs and played them on my acoustic guitar for the band. This opens up discussions about everything from drum beats to bass lines to arrangements. We go over the song and once I have the right feel we try the song out as a full band. After a few tries and adjustments it’s usually ready to hit the record button. I love the process to be spontaneous so it is fresh with everyone. We all have to be on our toes. Most songs are captured within 1-3 takes.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

This album was recorded at the infamous Oceanway Studio in the center of Nashville’s Music Row. What a fabulous facility that is so rich in musical history.

The producer on this record was Tom Hambridge. Tom told me we would record this album in four days. I thought he had lost his mind as most records take about two weeks to finish. Sure enough 3.5 days later and we were done! Tom wanted it to be very spontaneous and live so we hit it off wonderfully!

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

I think the most memorable experiences of the studio came from the musicians themselves. We had tons of laughs but to work with the greats such as Kenny Greenburg on Guitar, Rob Britt (guitar) Kevin Mckendree (keys), Tommy Macdonald (bass), Tom Hambridge (drums) and Wendy Moten on background vocals. To sit in a room with such musical royalty is a wonderful experience?

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I think the engineers have all those secrets when it comes to microphones and equipment. Honestly that stuff is over my pay grade. I just show up with my guitar and amps and plug in. I may try a few different pedals but for me the simpler the better. I want to be able to play everything on the record at my live shows so I don’t like to add anything I won’t have on stage.

Was it a difficult album to write?

I tend to write songs when I can and put them aside. I want my albums to be cohesive when it comes to the songs. I had many more songs in the ready rack but as the album begins to take shape it becomes apparent what songs are right for each other. Some just don’t fit so we don’t use them and they go on the ready rack for down the road.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I want my audience to feel the music and not just hear it. I want to connect with them. I want to strive for all of us to share something together. I see my music and my songs as the tool to help this happen. I’ve seen people cry and laugh during my shows and I have cried and laughed during my shows. I’m not about playing the most notes, I am about going to a place that none of us can go unless we go together.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I prefer a Fender Stratocaster for my sound. I haven’t found any other guitar that can do what a Strat does. I also prefer quality fender amps. My pedals change like the weather and I can see myself getting rid of them all together someday as I’m not a tech head. For my vocals I prefer an Telefunken M80. I think this is the most incredible vocal Microphone I’ve ever used. It tells the truth!

Which of the tracks on the new album hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I do have a lot of emotions on my albums and especially this one. I have learned to share my emotions with my listeners but I never like to share how I am feeling about any particular song. The listener may hear something completely different and I want them to feel what they feel, not try to feel what I feel or felt when I wrote the songs.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is in the upper left hand corner of Massachusetts. It’s called Williamstown. I can do it in six words- The most beautiful place on earth!

How do you look after your voice?

I wish I had a technical answer for this but I don’t. I don’t do anything for my voice. I just sing what I feel.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Great question but I would have to know what the film writer wanted for the message to be delivered. This would give me a direction of how to write it.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I am a melting pot of musical influences. I love a lot of different genres and styles but one thing holds true for my influences. The person has to play music that is honest and truthful and it has to be their own. I want to hear something real and not someone who sings differently than they talk or someone who plays someone else’s licks or tries to be something they are not. I want to hear who they are. Then it captures me.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

Yes, I will be in Holland this week and next week I will be in the UK. Check out AlbertCummings.com  for the tour schedule!

Who created/designed the album artwork?

We have a wonderful photographer who created the images named Nick Spanos. A friend of his, Joe Meiring created the CD artwork.

What makes Albert Cummings happy and what makes you unhappy?

I am pretty much a happy guy all of the time. Life is the most wonderful gift we have and there is nothing that can bring me down. I hit bumps occasionally but they are just bumps. Life is great!